Delaware Chief: Tribe Regains Federal Recognition

Associated Press

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (AP) -- The chief of the Bartlesville-based Delaware Tribe says the tribe has regained federal recognition.

Chief Jerry Douglas says the tribe was notified July 28 by the U.S. Department of Interior that it is again a federally recognized tribe.

The tribe lost federal recognition in a 2004 court ruling in favor of the Cherokee Nation.

Douglas says the Delaware and the Cherokees have since reached agreement on jurisdictional and other issues.

The tribe reorganized under the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act and members approved a constitution and bylaws in a May 26 vote.

Oklahoma has 38 federally recognized Indian tribes.